R.I.P. Harry Blauvelt

I’m sorry to report the passing of former Honolulu Star-Bulletin and USA Today sportswriter Harry Blauvelt, who died yesterday in a tragic accident on Maryland’s treacherous Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Blauvelt, 70, was returning to his home on Kent Island when his car became disabled. He had just stepped out when a truck slammed into his vehicle and pushed him into the water 50 feet below.

He covered a variety of local sports for the Star-Bulletin from 1985 to 1990, when he joined USA Today as its golf writer. He covered the rise of Tiger Woods before retiring to Maryland’s Eastern Shore in 2004.

In Hawai‘i, Blauvelt was known for his lively writing, wry sense of humor and love of the North Shore, where he lived.

The Baltimore Sun had details of the accident and a nice account of his achievements here.

I’ve know Harry most of my life. He watched me grow up. Harry was one of my dad’s best friends. We are all very sad and shocked about this accident. I had the pleasure of speaking with Harry on the telephone only two short weeks ago. We were both happy because the NHL playoffs were just starting. We talked about family and sports. R.I.P. Harry. We love you.